Newton Flotman 0, Marlingford 1NEWTON Flotman's first league game of the season in Anglian Combination Division Three saw them struggle to find their feet.

Newton Flotman 0, Marlingford 1

NEWTON Flotman's first league game of the season in Anglian Combination Division Three saw them struggle to find their feet.

They spent the first half under increasing pressure from a rampaging Marlingford side. Somehow, poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the score 0-0 at half time.

The Horsemen came out in the second half knowing that they had to up their game and they started to play some of the football seen in pre-season.

Unfortunately now, against the run of play, after a long ball into Flotman's box a mistake at the back allowed the Marlingford striker to force the ball home past goalie Jake Clifford.

Almost immediately from the resulting centre, Martin Rix played Andy Snape through but one-on-one with the keeper he placed it wide.

It was going to be one of those days. After that Flotman had several chances as they piled forward looking for the equaliser, but couldn't convert.

The final score of 1-0 Marlingford was a fair result as the visitors were the better side on the night, but there is much more to come from Newton Flotman this season.

Newton Flotman 3, East Harling 4

After 60 minutes the Horsemen found themselves 4-0 down, quite inexplicably, two of the goals from outside the box and two more were from mistakes.

Unfortunately, despite the apparent ease at which players could score this evening, Flotman weren't creating their own chances despite still being well on top in terms of play.

All three subs were made and Newton went for it. They were rewarded with a goal when Alex Bullard crossed in for Ed Sutcliffe to finish.

Minutes later another chance created was smashed home by Mark Appleton (with Ed getting the final touch) and with seven minutes remaining Damian Artherton rounded the keeper and slotted home from a tight angle.

Unfortunately the comeback wasn't to be completed and the score was 4-3 to East Harling. However, Flotman can take many positives from the way they played football throughout, and the killer instinct shown in the second half. It's also great to see players who were unfortunate enough to be dropped to the bench, come on and prove a point to the manager. They will be rewarded.

Next game at home to Cromer Town Reserves on Saturday, 2.30pm kick-off.